Significant fire growth occurred today prompted evacuations as high winds drove fire into communities to the north and east today.

Structures were lost. No details are available at this time. The fire remains active in these areas and the priority now is providing for emergency responder and public safety. Coconino County will be assessing damages and providing updates as soon as they’re able to do so.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office has ordered an evacuation for all Blue Ridge Tinder Fire affected communities north, east and west of Hwy 87. All residents and small animals are being evacuated to the Twin Arrows Casino - 22181 Resort Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Large animals are being accepted at the Navajo County Fairgrounds in Holbrook. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty for more details. Blue Ridge Area Residents are encouraged to call the County’s Call Center, 928-679-8393 with evacuation questions. You can sign up for Coconino County’s Emergency Alerts at http://www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

This is currently a wind driven fire. Strong winds will continue through Tuesday. Smoke impacts from the fire in Winslow will continue. Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have any questions.

Tonight’s night shift will continue to provide structural protection actions in local communities.

An illegal drone incursion was reported this morning north of the fire, within the Temporary Flight Restriction. This temporarily limited firefighting aircraft’s ability to work in the area. The incidents aircraft were pulled from the airspace over the air until it was deemed safe to reengage in firefighting activities. While no serious impacts occurred in this case, it’s critically important to understand flying drones near wildfires is illegal. If you fly, we can’t. Learn more at Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.